Drivers reminded to take care as Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway opens to traffic

24 Feb 2017 07:25 am
| NZ Transport Agency

Many commuters and Kāpiti Coast residents received a welcome surprise this morning as the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway opened to traffic in the early hours.

The NZ Transport Agency is reminding motorists to take care and be alert while driving through and around the Kāpiti Coast district while people adjust to using the expressway and the new layout of some adjoining local roads.

“We’re thrilled that the expressway is now open and everyone can enjoy the benefits of safer and easier journeys in Kapiti. We know that people are excited to see the expressway open and in use, and we’re urging everyone to be considerate and courteous as we all get used to moving around the district in different ways,” NZ Transport Agency State Highways Manager Neil Walker said.

With four interchanges, locals will need to familiarise themselves with the best way to access and leave the expressway.

“As with any new piece of infrastructure there is always a settling in period. We will actively monitor traffic flows over the next few weeks.”

Over the coming months, work will continue around the Poplar Avenue Interchange at the south end, and the Peka Peka Interchange at the north end of the expressway, as well as on some local roads, to build additional roundabouts, complete the local connections to the expressway and finish road surfacing and barrier installation.

“While this work continues, traffic management, lane closures and speed restrictions will occasionally be in place. We’re thankful that people have been patient and understanding with the works to date, and we’re asking people to bear with us a little longer as we finish off these remaining works.”

The Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway is a $630 million, 18km four-lane expressway along the Kāpiti Coast, and includes 18 bridges and 16km of shared pathway. The Expressway is part of the Wellington Northern Corridor, which stretches from Wellington Airport to just north of Levin. The Wellington Northern Corridor is one of the Government’s roads of national significance.

The NZ Transport Agency works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders – from helping new drivers earn their licences, to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport, state highways and local roads.